Although the girl had agreed to have sex, the man was still charged with rape because the law does no accept that a 12-year-old can give consent.

The unlawful marriage came to the attention of the police after a raid at a car wash where it was feared children were being "exploited".

Further investigation led to an address in Epping where the man lived with the victim being searched. A small room with a double bed that was shared by the two was found leading to the offender being taken into custody.